Are Deliberate Delays Expected in Tomorrow's Counting? - INDIA Bloc
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tejashwi Yadav raises concerns about intentional delays in vote counting.
- He calls for honesty and transparency from election officials.
- Past disruptions during counting are a point of caution.
- Other political leaders echo the need for fair elections.
- The integrity of the electoral process is crucial for democracy.
Patna, Nov 13 (NationPress) As the Bihar Assembly elections approach the crucial vote counting phase, Tejashwi Yadav, the chief ministerial candidate of the INDIA Bloc, voiced his worries regarding potential intentional delays in the counting process, particularly on the seats where his coalition is currently leading.
Tejashwi addressed this concern during a late-night press conference held by the INDIA Bloc, emphasizing the need for the officers and the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure that the counting is executed with utmost integrity and transparency.
He recalled the disturbances that marred the counting in 2020 and cautioned officials against repeating such actions.
“We are apprehensive that they may intentionally slow down the counting on seats where the INDIA Bloc is ahead while hastily announcing results in favor of the NDA,” he stated, alleging that certain media outlets and unnamed figures are crafting a narrative to suggest that the NDA is victorious, with the Prime Minister expected to celebrate at the BJP office in the evening.
Tejashwi maintained that the INDIA Bloc is poised for victory and that the NDA will face defeat.
He also claimed that directives to manipulate the counting process are being issued from specific quarters, including “certain leaders and retired officials in the Chief Minister's office in Patna and influential ministers in Delhi.” He urged those officers to stand firm against such undue pressure.
“I urge all officers and the Election Commission to fulfill their responsibilities with integrity… conduct the counting swiftly and refrain from any intentional delays,” he added, noting that INDIA Bloc representatives are vigilant at counting centers to prevent any malpractice.
He warned that any recurrence of the issues seen in 2020 would provoke a strong reaction from the public.
CPI-ML National General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya compared the Bihar elections to a hurdle race, stating, “The first hurdle was the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the second was voting — and the citizens of Bihar have successfully navigated both. The third hurdle is counting. I urge officers to allow the people's mandate to emerge honestly. The ECI must guarantee transparency and expedite the counting, whether it involves postal ballots or EVMs. Previously, the process was delayed — even Tejashwi Yadav received his certificate at 2 a.m. the following day. Such disruptions must be avoided.”
Mukesh Sahani, leader of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), also called upon officials to honor their constitutional responsibilities.
“You have committed to conducting fair elections and delivering justice. The people of Bihar voted for change. The youth are seeking employment, and they have supported the INDIA Bloc,” Sahani stated.
Congress state in-charge Krishna Allavaru asserted that the BJP is losing its grip even in its traditional strongholds.
“The BJP is faltering in Patna, East and West Champaran, Supaul, Darbhanga, and numerous other districts regarded as their strongholds. The people of Bihar have sent a clear message for change favoring the INDIA Bloc. I implore all officers to execute their duties with honesty and honor that mandate,” he urged.